The question whether the nation needs opera and ballet or an international opera house is seldom addressed by politicians or the media.

ECONOMIST: Royal Opera House

Bell became an international success with his screen debut as a ballet dancing youngster in Daldry's Billy Elliot three years ago.

BBC: Stars gather at Nickleby premi��re

Founded in 1973, Cloud Gate (it gets its name from China's oldest dance, dating back 5, 000 years) is on a nonstop voyage through world cultures, fusing tai chi, meditation, Chinese opera, modern dance and ballet into an art form that has captivated international audiences.

CNN: ASIANOW - Asiaweek

The ballet and opera companies survived, the dancers in particular maintaining an international reputation for excellence.

BBC: Moscow��s Bolshoi Theatre returns

Berkeley was artistic director of the Cheltenham International Festival of Music for 10 years and is chairman of the governors of the Royal Ballet.

BBC: Composer Michael Berkeley to become Lord